Sun Life Financial Arts+Culture Pass

This initiative enhances cultural vibrancy in Calgary by enabling underrepresented audiences to participate in artistic and cultural events. The Sun Life Financial Arts + Culture Pass is so much more than free tickets—it sparks imagination and opens up access to a new world of experiences for individuals and families.

In 2015, Sun Life Financial increased their multi-year commitment, enabling upgraded infrastructure to streamline the program and moving the ticket distribution to an electronic platform. The new system and rebranded program was launched on August 2, 2016.

Great cities provide opportunities for everyone, including those who cannot afford them. That’s why the Calgary Public Library, Sun Life Financial and a growing list of arts and culture organizations are opening their doors for low-income Calgarians to access art, culture, theatre and performance. Together we are helping to make our city great.

"Dance is a huge part of life enjoyment – it makes me stronger! Thank you so much for this opportunity to see the ballet. An unfortunate life event has put me in the position of being unable to provide myself with many things….just when you need them most! I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Words cannot explain how much this means to me."

"My family recently used our pass to go to the Aerospace museum. My children ran around 'flying' with arms outstretched as wings. There was a helicopter being tested outside, much to the thrill of my children. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!"

"These evenings at the Epcor Centre are heaven. A few hours away from care and responsibility, transported by great music and great artists. Being in a beautiful environment and being able to dress up and remember the times when we did this all the time. Again, many thanks for this fabulous program which is truly enriching my life."

Program Impact

36489

event tickets donated

30870

event experiences

42

local arts and culture partners

$680,000

value of in-kind donations

Since 2002, the program has reached more than 10,000 local children and garnered more than 4,000 hours from the Calgary Police Service.

It's a Crime Not to Read has received more than $1 million in investment of money and in-kind contributions

More than 1400 students from 21 schools participated in the program in the 2013-2014 school year

In 2014, 59 police officers have delivered the program to 62 classrooms.